Hadith #1319

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all the worlds. Peace and blessings be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure progeny, the Ahl al-Bayt, and his noble companions.

The Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

غِنَى المُؤمِنِ بِاللّهِ سُبْحانَهُ۔

This can be translated as,

The needlessness of a believer is through [his reliance on] Allah, the Glorified.

In this wise utterance, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the concept of true richness and contentment that can only be attained through complete reliance on Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

The word (ghina) "غِنَى" refers to being self-sufficient, independent, and free from any need or want. It signifies a state of inner richness and contentment that is not dependent on material possessions or worldly desires. The believer who attains this state of "غِنَى" is one who relies solely on Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) for all their needs and desires.

This concept of relying on Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) is deeply rooted in the Quran. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly emphasizes the importance of placing our trust in Him and seeking His assistance in all aspects of our lives. In Surah Al-Ankabut, verse 59, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

And rely upon Allah; and sufficient is Allah as Disposer of affairs.

This verse reminds us that true reliance and contentment can only be found in Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ), who is the ultimate provider and sustainer of all things.

Furthermore, in Surah At-Talaq, verse 3, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) assures the believers by saying,

And whoever relies upon Allah - then He is sufficient for him.

This verse reinforces the idea that when we place our complete trust in Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ), He will take care of all our needs and fulfill our desires.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement highlights the profound impact of relying on Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) in our lives. When a believer truly understands and internalizes this concept, they become free from the shackles of worldly attachments and desires. They find contentment and peace in their hearts, knowing that Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) is the ultimate source of all provisions and blessings.

This reliance on Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) does not imply passivity or inaction on the part of the believer. Rather, it motivates them to strive and work hard in all aspects of their lives, while recognizing that the ultimate outcome is in the hands of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). They understand that their efforts alone are insufficient without the guidance and support of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

This reliance on Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) has profound consequences in the life of a believer. It frees them from the constant pursuit of worldly possessions and material wealth, which often leads to anxiety, stress, and discontentment. Instead, they focus on developing a strong connection with Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ), seeking His pleasure and relying on His guidance.

By relying on Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ), the believer finds solace in times of difficulty and hardship. They understand that Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) is the All-Knowing and All-Wise, and He has a greater plan for them. This reliance strengthens their faith and helps them navigate through the challenges of life with patience and trust in Allah's (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) divine wisdom.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the importance of relying on Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) as the ultimate source of all provisions and blessings. It reminds us that true richness and contentment can only be attained through complete trust in Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). By internalizing this concept and seeking reliance on Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) in all aspects of our lives, we can find true peace, contentment, and success in this world and the hereafter. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to rely on Him wholeheartedly and attain the true richness of faith.